Stepped LED Structure for Light Extraction Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current light emitting diodes (LEDs) face challenges in maximizing light emitting efficiency, particularly in terms of light extraction efficiency, which limits their application in various lighting applications.
Innovation Solution
A light emitting device with a stepped structure is designed, comprising a first semiconductor layer, a light emitting layer, and a second semiconductor layer, where the layers form a stepped structure with specific electrode connection surfaces and surfaces that increase light extraction efficiency without altering the inherent properties of the semiconductor layers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a conventional planar LED structure is used, then the device structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the light extraction efficiency is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the conventional planar (2D) LED structure into a stepped (3D) structure by introducing vertical height differences and multiple levels. This dimensional change creates additional light extraction pathways and reduces total internal reflection at the semiconductor-air interface, thereby improving light extraction efficiency without significantly complicating the manufacturing process.
Solution Approach 2:
The LED active region is divided into multiple stepped levels rather than a single planar layer. This segmentation creates multiple interfaces with different orientations, allowing light to escape through multiple paths and reducing the impact of any single interface's total internal reflection, thus improving overall light extraction efficiency.
2Loss of energy
If the stepped structure is implemented, then the light extraction efficiency is increased, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves improved light extraction by transitioning from a 2D planar structure to a 3D stepped structure. This dimensional enhancement provides additional light extraction surfaces and angles while maintaining a relatively simple fabrication approach, balancing structural complexity with performance improvement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes specific parameters of the stepped structure, such as step height, step width, and the number of steps, to achieve optimal light extraction efficiency. By carefully controlling these geometric parameters, the patent improves performance while keeping the structural complexity manageable and the fabrication process feasible.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The stepped structure enhances light extraction efficiency, thereby increasing the overall light emitting efficiency of the device, allowing for improved performance in LED applications without modifying the energy band, defect, or epitaxial properties of the semiconductor layers.
Implementation Method 1
the light extraction efficiency is increased, and the light emitting efficiency of the light emitting device is thus increased
Data Source
AI summary
A light emitting device including a first semiconductor layer, a light emitting layer, a second semiconductor layer, a first electrode, and a second electrode is provided. The light emitting layer is deposited between the first and the second semiconductor layers. The first semiconductor layer, the light emitting layer and the second semiconductor layer form a stepped structure including a first electrode connection surface, a second electrode connection surface, and a connection portion. The first electrode connection surface is located on the first semiconductor layer. The second electrode connection surface is located on the second semiconductor layer. The connection portion connects the first and the second electrode connection surfaces. The connection portion includes a first surface, a second surface, and a third surface. A first corner s formed between the first and the second surfaces. A second corner is formed between the second and the third surfaces.